Gaming device and system related to roulette

ABSTRACT

An electronic wagering game is set forth using the characteristics of the numbers of Roulette such as numerical value as well as even/odd, red/black and the like. The game has a display and a processor to control the display. The processor is preprogrammed to control the display to display a matrix of at least three columns and Y horizontal rows (for example, three rows defining a 3×3 matrix). Means are provided for selecting one or more characteristics pertaining to a Roulette number for each coordinate of the matrix such as number, color, even/odd or the like and for accepting a wager. When play is prompted the processor randomly selects at least three Roulette numbers defining an outcome set of numbers, including their characteristics and compares the characteristics of the outcome set to those of the matrix to determine matches. If a predetermined pattern of matches occurs, such as along a pay line, the player is entitled to a prize.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to gaming machines and methods suchas slot machines and linked slot machines as well as the game ofRoulette.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Slot machines are well known in the art. In the past thesemachines included one or more mechanical reels having symbols or indiciaprinted about the periphery. The player would insert a coin or token andinitiate play by pulling on a handle. The pulling of the handle wouldresult in spinning of the reels which would slow to random presentindicia at one or more designated pay lines. If predetermined symbols orsymbol combinations are aligned along an enabled pay line, the playerwould be issued a prize. If not, the spin or “hand” would be deemed alosing hand and the wager would be lost. Modernly, slot machine gamesare controlled by computer processors to select and display an outcome,to determine if a winning or losing outcome has been obtained and tocontrol the other various aspects of the operation of the machines.Also, too, modernly the mechanical reels have been replaced by videodisplays which are controlled by the processor to display videosimulations of reels. The operation and control of such games aredescribed in Sunaga, U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,781 and Telnaes, U.S. Pat. No.4,448,419.

[0003] Another wagering or casino game is the popular game of Roulette.In a 1961 publication titled, “Scarne's new Complete Guide to Gambling”by John Scarne, it was estimated that 13 millions of Americans playedRoulette. In its table game version, a table is provided with a layoutof the numbers for Roulette of 1-36 and a “0” or a “0” and “00”. As iswell known, and shown in FIG. 2, the Roulette layout presents thenumbers in order and provides, in addition to the numericalcharacteristic of each number, one or more secondary characteristics of:(i) Red or Black, (ii) even or odd, (iii) high or low (iv) 1^(st),2^(nd), or 3^(rd) dozen of numbers and (v) column. Each characteristiccan be separately wagered upon, e.g. that the outcome will be a Rednumber, or will be an even number. In addition to wagering on numbers orgroups of numbers, players often wager on these various number group,secondary characteristic, propositions.

[0004] To play the game, players wager their chips on one or morenumbers an/or propositions and a ball is launched into the spinningRoulette wheel. The Roulette wheel has numbers corresponding to thenumbers of the layout about its periphery separated by frets. The balleventually comes to rest on a number defining the number andpropositions outcome.

[0005] Drawbacks of table or “live” Roulette is that players may becomebored with the game, the number and nature of winning propositions islimited and there is no mechanism to offer a large jackpot.

[0006] It has been known to provide an electronic Roulette game whereeither a physical or virtual wheel is provided and where players canmake wagers. For example in Rubin, U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,909 issued Jan.12, 1999 there is disclosed an electronic Roulette game which providesfor number and proposition wagers as well as sequential event(sequential hands of Roulette) wagering. In Valdez, U.S. Pat. No.5,934,999 issued Aug. 10, 1999 three outcomes are produced by launchingthree balls into a modified Roulette wheel. The player makes wagersbased upon the anticipated outcome(s) produced by the three, launchedballs.

[0007] The same drawbacks that are noted with respect to live Rouletteapply to electronic Roulette and the games noted above.

[0008] There is a need for a device and method which provides for theexcitement of both Roulette and slot machines, which can provide a largejackpots and which provides for more frequent and varied winningcombinations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] There is, therefor, provided according to the present invention adevice and method which includes the familiarity of Roulette into a slotmachine game, which provides the ability to offer large and variedwinning outcomes, which is suitable to playing with games linked througha local or wide area network (LAN or WAN) or to be played over theInternet, which is fast-paced and easy to understand.

[0010] Toward this end there is set forth an electronic gaming deviceand method using ordered indicia such as the numbers of Roulette whichare arranged in the predetermined, serial, ordered positions around aRoulette wheel as is well known.

[0011] Furthermore, and with reference to the indicia, e.g. Roulettenumbers, the numbers also have secondary characteristics attributedaccording to the layout of a traditional Roulette layout and/or wheel ofbeing (i) odd or even, (ii) red, black or green (iii) low or high, (iv)falling in the first, second or third twelve numbers and/or (v) fallingin first, second or third rows of numbers. In a first embodiment thegame processor is programmed to, in response to prompting by the player,to permit the player (or processor) to select on a 1×3 matrix secondaryRoulette number characteristics, e.g. 3^(rd) dozen group of numbers inthe first column on the matrix, the color red for the second column andodd for the third column on the 1×3 matrix. These secondarycharacteristics for Roulette numbers include color (red or black), oddor even, high or low, 1^(st), 2^(nd) or 3^(rd) dozens of numbers andcolumns as presented on a Roulette layout. In response to prompting bythe player, the processor is further programmed to permit the player (orthe processor) to select on a further, separate 1×3 matrix, Roulettenumbers, e.g. the number 30 for the first column, the number 11 for thesecond column and the number 3 for the third column. The numbers beingnumbers presented on a Roulette wheel.

[0012] The game processor is further programmed to, in response toprompting by the player, randomly select (or to obtain the results froma physical Roulette wheel, as is well known in the art) at least threeRoulette numbers defining an outcome set of numbers. The outcome set ofnumbers is reported on a 3×3 matrix, where for each column of the matrixthe outcome number and the number to either side of the outcome numberas presented on a Roulette wheel, are used to fill the columncoordinates for the matrix. For example, on a Roulette wheel the numbersare displayed about the periphery in an ordered fashion as is well knownand as shown in FIG. 1. The processor may select the numbers of: 8, 11and 35 (or these numbers may be reported as the results of one or morespins on a physical Roulette wheel). Using the selected numbers and thenumbers to either side as presented on the wheel reading the numbers ina clockwise direction) would yield a 3×3 matrix of the followingnumbers, for example: 30 36 12 8 11 35 23 30 3

[0013] The device also includes means for accepting a wager, forenabling one or more pay lines of the 3×3 matrix and for prompting playof the game.

[0014] The game processor is programmed to, once the selection on a 1×3matrix of secondary Roulette number characteristics (as described above)and on a further 1×3 matrix the Roulette numbers (as also describedabove) are completed, in response to prompting of play, randomly selectat least three Roulette numbers defining an outcome set of numbers, todisplay the outcome set of numbers on the middle row of a 3×3 matrix,display the numbers to either side of each number of the outcome set (aspresented on a Roulette wheel) to fill the column coordinates of the 3×3matrix, compare the characteristics of the outcome set of numbers asdisplayed on the 3×3 matrix to those of each of the two 1×3 matrices todetermine matches and if a predetermined pattern of matches occurs onthe 3×3 matrix, issue a prize. The secondary characteristics of thenumbers of the 3×3 matrix are compared to the 1×3 matrix of thesecondary characteristics and the numbers of the 3×3 matrix are comparedto the 1×3 matrix of numbers. If, for example, matches occur along a payline the player is entitled to a prize. If, for example, matches occurbut are not on any particular pay line, the player is entitled to aprize for scatters, e.g. matches in any position on the 3×3 matrix.

[0015] In further and additional embodiments of the invention, formatches in exact order of selected outcome numbers on a certain pay lineentitles the player to a bonus or jackpot.

[0016] In another embodiment, means are provided for the player or theprocessor for the game to select for each column of a 3×3 matrix asequence of three Roulette numbers. The selected numbers and the numbersto either side of the selected number as presented on the Roulette wheelare used to fill the column coordinates for the matrix. For example, ona Roulette wheel the numbers are disposed about the periphery in anordered fashion as is well known and as shown in FIG. 1. The player (orprocessor) may select the numbers sequence of: 30, 8 and 23 for thefirst column, the numbers sequence of 36, 11 and 30 for the secondcolumns and the numbers sequence of 12, 35 and 3 for the third column toyield a 3×3 matrix of the following numbers, for example: 30 36 12 8 1135 23 30 3

[0017] The device also includes means for accepting a wager, forenabling one or more pay lines of the matrix and for prompting play ofthe game. The game processor is programmed to, in response to promptingof play, randomly select at least three Roulette numbers (or report theselection of three numbers from a physical Roulette wheel) defining anoutcome set of numbers, compare the characteristics of the outcome setto those of the 3×3 matrix to determine matches and if a predeterminedpattern of matches occurs issue a prize. The processor compares theoutcome set numbers to those of the 3×3 and is controlled to mark orhighlight matches. If, for example, matches occur along a pay line theplayer is entitled to a prize. The Roulette numbers are selected andcompared to the numbers of the matrix and if a predetermined number orpattern of corresponding numbers occur in the matrix the player wins aprize.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] These and other features and advantages will become appreciatedas the same becomes better understood with reference to the descriptionclaims and drawings wherein:

[0019]FIG. 1 the layout of a typical Roulette wheel;

[0020]FIG. 2 shows a typical Roulette wagering layout;

[0021]FIG. 3 illustrates a system including wagering games according tothe present invention;

[0022] FIGS. 4A-C illustrate the play of the game according to oneembodiment of the present invention; and

[0023] FIGS. 5A-C illustrate play of the game according to anotherembodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION

[0024] Turning to FIGS. 1 and 2 a typical single zero Roulette wheel 10is shown. The wheel 10 is rotatable within a frame 12 as is well known.The wheel 10 has about its periphery in an ordered fashion (clockwise orcounter clockwise) Roulette numbers of “0” through “36”. As can beappreciated, the ordering of the numbers on the wheel 10 is not innumeric sequence but rather the numbers, as to their numeric values, aremixed about the periphery. Furthermore, the numbers each bear at leastone secondary characteristic other than their numerical value. Forexample, each number has a secondary characteristic of color with “0”usually being the color green and the other numbers evenly andalternatively distributed between the colors red and black as is alsowell known. Thus, while not illustrated in FIG. 1, each number on thewheel 10 would have a color associated with them. As can be appreciated,the fixed arrangement of the numbers on the wheel 10 provide a fixedordering of numbers such that any selected number on the wheel has knownclockwise and counter clockwise adjacent numbers. For example, thenumber “34” on the wheel 10 has adjacent numbers of “17” and “6”.

[0025] Also as is well known, the game of Roulette has a wagering layout14 as shown in FIG. 2. The layout 14 is presented for players to makewagers on the various Roulette wagering propositions. The numbers on thelayout 14 are presented in numerical order in three columns 16 a-c andin three groups 18 a-c of twelve numbers. These propositions includewagering on the numbers as well as the various secondary characteristicsof those numbers. These secondary characteristics include: (i) color,e.g. red or black, (ii) odd or even, (iii) low (numbers 1-18) or high(numbers 19-16), (iv) the columns 16 a-c and (v) the groups 18 a-c.

[0026] For traditional Roulette, after each player has made theirwager(s), the wheel 10 is spun and a ball is launched into the wheel.The ball eventually lands on a number which defines the outcome for thespin. The outcome number and its secondary characteristics are comparedto each player's wagers to determine if the player has a winningoutcome. Players are paid at pre-determined odds for their wagers basedupon the proposition wagered upon.

[0027] With the description of Roulette in mind, the various embodimentsof the present invention will now be described.

[0028] Turning to FIG. 3, a system 20 including a plurality ofelectronic gaming machine devices 22 is shown. Each device 22 includes ahousing 24 including a device controlling processor (not shown) whichcontrols the device 22 and a video display 26. As shown, the videodisplay 26 is controlled to display a video representation of a wheel 10and layout 14 as well as a game matrix 28. The displayed matrix has Xvertical columns and preferably three horizontal rows. In a preferredembodiment and the embodiments described herein, the matrix 28 has threecolumns and three rows.

[0029] Each device 22 processor is in communication with a hostprocessor unit 30 which controls the play of the game. The communicationmay be through a local area network (LAN) wide area network (WAN) orthough the Internet. As shown in FIG. 3, the host processor unit 30 mayinclude a wheel 10 or a video representation of a wheel 10. Where thewheel 10 at the host processor unit is a physical wheel 10, means areprovided to spin the wheel 10, launch Roulette balls and to record andreport the outcomes such as with a suitable sensor. In regards toselecting the outcome, preferably the unit 30 controls each wheel 10 ateach device 22 display 26 to replicate the selection of thee outcomes sothat each player at each device can observe the outcome.

[0030] In lieu of replicating the selection of the outcome at eachdisplay 26, the unit 30 may include a common display of the wheel 10 foreach player at a device 22 to observe such as by arranging the devices22 about the common unit 30 and having a Roulette wheel 10 in a positionto be seen by players of all devices 22. In an Internet embodiment ofthe system 20, the wheel 10 may be displayed to the player via atelevision broadcast or by streaming digital video images (not shown).

[0031] In lieu of replicating the layout 14 at each display 26, aseparate unit (not shown) may include a common layout 14 for each playerat the device 22 to observe such as by arranging the devices 22 about acommon unit and having a layout 14 in a position to be seen by playersof all devices 22. In another embodiment the layout 14 may not bedisplayed at all.

[0032] Each device 22 also includes means for a player of the device 22to make a wager (not shown) to enable one or more pay lines 32 a-e shownat the matrix 28. With continuing reference to FIG. 3, the horizontalrows define first, second and third pay lines 32 a-c and two diagonalsdefine fourth and fifth pay lines 32 d-e. It is to be understood thatthe game matrix 28 could have more columns and/or rows so as to definemore pay lines as desired. As a player places wagers, pay lines 32 a-eare enabled. For example, the player may only enable the first pay line32 a, several pay lines such as pay lines 32 a, b or all pay lines 32 a-e. For purposes of this description, it will be assumed that the playerhas made a wager sufficient to enable all pay lines 32 a-e.

[0033] To play the game according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention reference is made to FIGS. 3 and 4A-C. According to thisembodiment, the player at each device 22 wagers to enable the selectedpay lines 32 a-e. For purposes of explanation, the player has enabledall five pay lines 32 a-e. The player then, using a touch screen orother data entry means, selects three Roulette numbers displayed at thedisplay 26 as jackpot numbers 34 a-c. For purposes of this example, theplayer has selected the numbers “5”, “34” and “12”. The jackpot numbers34 a-c as they are selected are positioned in order in a 1×3 matrix overthe columns of the matrix 28 as shown in FIG. 4A. In addition toselecting the jackpot numbers, the player selects for each column of thematrix 28 a secondary characteristic 36 a-c or result type. The playermay use a touch screen over the displayed layout 14 or other data inputmeans to make his selections. As shown in FIG. 4A, for purposes of theexample, the player has selected for the first column of the matrix 28 asecondary characteristic of “3^(rd)12”, for the second column “Red” andfor the third column “Odd”. The selection of the secondarycharacteristics are applied in order for each column and displayed as a1×3 matrix below each column as illustrated. At this point there isnothing displayed at the coordinates of the matrix 28.

[0034] After the player has made their selections, they await theselection of the outcome. Where the machines are linked as shown on FIG.3, a timer for the unit 30 may provide a countdown to each device 22before the next spin to enable the players to make their selections.

[0035] In lieu of the player making the selections of one or both of thejackpot numbers 34 a-c or secondary characteristics, this may be done bythe device 22 or host processor unit computers for the player.

[0036] Further it should be understood that the devices 22 may bearranged to be played independently whereby the player would make theirwager and selections and prompt play of the game. According to thisembodiment, the unit 30 and the linking of the devices 22 would not berequired.

[0037] To select the outcome, the wheel 10 is spun to either seriallyselect three Roulette numbers or three balls are launched tosimultaneously select three numbers. Any other means could be used toselect three Roulette numbers. For purposes of the example, and withreference to FIG. 4B, three Roulette numbers of “15”, “8” and “14” arerandomly selected by the wheel 10. In addition to the selected numbers,the outcome also includes the numbers, with reference to the arrangementof numbers on a Roulette wheel 10, the numbers to either side of theselected numbers resulting in an outcome set of nine Roulette numbers,i.e. the three numbers selected by the wheel 10 and the numbers toeither side of each of the selected numbers. For the present example,the Roulette wheel 10 has selected the numbers of “15”, “8” and “14”.These numbers and the neighboring numbers on the wheel 10 are displayedin the matrix 28 as shown in FIGS. 4A, B. In addition to the numbers,the secondary aspect of color may also by shown with the numbers in thematrix 28 since the color characteristic cannot be derived from thenumerical value of the number. With reference to FIGS. 4A-4C, the crosshatching shows the numbers that are black, with the others being rednumbers. The outcome set is displayed at each device display 26 or isdisplayed in a manner for each player to see.

[0038] After the selection and display of the outcome set, the hostprocessor unit 30 or each device 22 processor compares thecharacteristics of the outcome set to the jackpot numbers 34 a-c as wellas the secondary characteristics 36 a-c to the secondary characteristicsapplied to the matrix 28.

[0039] With reference to FIG. 4B, It can be seen that the outcome set ofnumbers (i.e. 15, 32, 19, 8, 30, 23,14, 20 and 31) do not include any ofthe jackpot numbers 34 a-c. Further, with reference to the secondarycharacteristics, there is no winning combination along any enabled payline 32 a-e. Only coordinate of the matrix 28 having the “32” in thefirst column matches the secondary characteristic of “3^(rd) 12” 18 c,for the second column the numbers “30” and “23” match the secondarycharacteristic of the color red and only the number “31” matches thesecondary characteristic of odd for the third column. None of theaforesaid matching characteristics match along any pay line 32 a-e. Thusthe player would lose their wager(s).

[0040] With reference to FIG. 4C another selected outcome set is shownwhich produces a winner. As shown, the wheel 10 has selected the numbersof “24”, “1” and “28” resulting in the outcome set of: 24, 5, 16, 1, 33,20, 28, 7 and 12. In regards to the jackpot numbers 34 a-c, it is seenthat the numbers of “5” and “12” appear in the outcome set and aredisposed along pay line 32 d. In regards to the jackpot numbers, thegame may be played having the prize schedule of Table 1 below. TABLE 1Match Type Prize 3 exact 7000 3 mixed order 1000 3 in any position  1252 in any position  15

[0041] Thus, in the example of FIG. 4C, for the jackpot numbers 34 a-c,the player would receive a prize of 15 units since he has obtained twonumbers on the matrix.

[0042] As for an award based upon the secondary characteristics, theplayer does not receive a prize since the matching characteristics foreach column do not result in a match along any pay line 32 a-e.

[0043] Other example of outcomes for this embodiment of the game aredemonstrated below where “B” refers to black numbers and where thenumbers would be placed in the matrix 28. Outcome 3 7 15B 36 28B 19 11B12 4B 30

[0044] Pay line 32 a is a winner of “28” (in the “3^(rd) 12”), “19”(Red) and “11” (Odd). Outcome 4 35B 24B 6B 3 16 27 26B 33B 13B

[0045] Pay line 32 d is a winner because “35” is in the 3^(rd) 12, “16”is red and “13” is odd.

[0046] As can be appreciated the player could have winning combinationsalong several one or pay lines and receive an award therefor.

[0047] After the outcomes for each device 22 have been resolved, thetimer is initiated for the players of the devices 22 to make theirwagers and selections and at the expiration of the preselected time, anoutcome set is chosen and the outcome set is resolved against the chosennumbers, secondary characteristics and the matrices.

[0048] With reference to FIGS. 5A-C a further embodiment of the presentinvention is shown. According to this embodiment, after the player makesa wager to enable selected pay lines 32 a-e, the player selects threenumbers from the Roulette wheel 10 such as by a touch screen at thedisplay 26 or the like or use other data input means to make hisselection. In response to selecting a number the game processor locatesthe selected number and the numbers to either side in the matrix 28. Forexample, if the player selected the numbers of “0”, “9” and “28” theprocessor controls the display 26 to display the matrix as shown inFIGS. 5A, B including the selected numbers as well as the numbers toeither side as presented on the wheel 10.

[0049] At the expiration of the timer, the host processor unit 30controls the wheel 10 thereof to randomly select three Roulette numbers,e.g. “26”, “15” and “7”, representing the outcome set. The host unit 30compares the numbers of the matrices at each enabled device 22 or, inthe alternative, transmits the outcome set to the devices 22 forcomparison thereat, to determine if the player has a winningcombination. For example, the outcomes (matches) and prizes of Table 2may be used. TABLE 2 Prize Prizes for Matches on a pay line 3 exactorder matches 7000 3 mixed order matches 1000 Prizes for ScatteredMatches (Any position on the matrix) 3 Matches, any position  25 2Matches, any position   3

[0050] With reference to FIGS. 5A, B it is seen that with an outcome setof 26, 15 and 7 the player is entitled to a scatters prize of 3 unitssince the numbers “26” and “7” appear in the matrix. If the numbersselected by the player had been “0”, “15” and “29” as shown in FIG. 5Cwith the outcome set of 35, 15 and 18, the player would be entitled toan exact order prize (three matches) since all three numbers are inorder along pay line 32 e.

[0051] After the prizes have been paid, players make new wagers withinthe time allotted and the host unit 30 thereafter selects and displaysthe outcome set.

[0052] As can be appreciated, the games according to the prior art canbe played in a linked fashion as suggested in FIG. 3 with a hostprocessor unit 30 controlling the play of the devices 22 linked thereto.The host processor unit 30 would display the wheel 10 and selection ofthe outcome sets by controlling the displays 26 at the individualdevices 22 to show the selection or by including a common display orphysical wheel 10 to select the outcome sets.

[0053] Further, the wheel 10 may be adapted to accept three ballssimultaneously for the simultaneous selection of the outcome sets.

[0054] Also as discussed above, the selection of the numbercharacteristics for the game matrix may be done by the player or may bedone by the host or device processor as desired.

[0055] The games according to the present invention provide the playeran opportunity to play a slot machine having characteristics of thenumbers of Roulette. Further the games provide the player with multipleopportunities to win.

[0056] While I have shown and described certain embodiments of thepresent invention, it is to be understood that the same is subject tomodification without departing form the spirit and scope of the appendedclaims.

I claim:
 1. An electronic wagering game using the characteristics of thenumbers of Roulette, said game comprising: a display; a processor tocontrol the display, said processor preprogrammed to control the displayto display a matrix of at least 3 columns and Y horizontal rows; meansfor selecting at least one characteristic pertaining to a Roulettenumber for each coordinate of the matrix; means for accepting a wagerand for prompting play of the game; and said processor programmed to, inresponse to prompting of play, randomly selecting at least threeRoulette numbers defining an outcome set of numbers, compare thecharacteristics of the outcome set to those of the matrix to determinematches and if a predetermined pattern of matches occurs issue a prize.2. The game of claim 1 wherein said selecting means includes means for aplayer to select for each column of the matrix a Roulette numbercharacteristic other than said number selected from the group consistingsubstantially of color, even or odd, high or low, first, second or thirdgroup of twelve numbers or column on a Roulette layout.
 3. The game ofclaim 1 wherein said processor includes a data structure storing datacorresponding to winning patterns for the matrix, said processorprogrammed to compare the positions on the matrix where said selectionset characteristics match the characteristics of the outcome set to saidpatterns and if a winning pattern of matches is obtained, said processorissuing an award to the player.
 4. The game of claim 3 including saidmatrix including at least one pay line for the game, said pay line beingdefined by at least two adjacent coordinates of the said matrix and saiddata structure storing data corresponding to patterns of characteristicsmatching along said pay line.
 5. The game of claim 4 including saidmatrix including a plurality of rows defining horizontal pay lines. 6.The game of claim 4 including said matrix defining at least one diagonalpay line.
 7. An electronic wagering game using the characteristics ofthe numbers of Roulette, said game comprising: a display; a processor tocontrol the display, said processor preprogrammed to control the displayto display a matrix having at least X vertical columns and Y horizontalrows, X and Y being at least 3; means for selecting one or morecharacteristics pertaining to a Roulette number for each column of thematrix defining one or more selection sets; means to accept a wager andfor prompting play of the game; and said processor programmed to, inresponse to prompting of play, randomly select at least three Roulettenumbers and to identify the Roulette numbers to either side of therandomly selected numbers as positioned on the Roulette wheel to definean outcome set of at least nine Roulette numbers, display each number ofsaid outcome set at a coordinate of the matrix, compare thecharacteristic of the outcome set as displayed in the matrix to those ofeach selection set to determine matches and if a predetermined patternof matches occurs issue a prize.
 8. The game of claim 7 wherein saidprocessor includes a data structure storing data corresponding towinning patterns on the matrix, said processor comparing the positionson the matrix where said outcome set characteristics match thecharacteristics of the selection set to the patterns and if a winningpattern is obtained, said processor programmed to issue an award to theplayer.
 9. The game of claim 8 including said matrix defining at leastone pay line for the game, said pay line being defined by at least twoadjacent coordinates of said matrix.
 10. The game of claim 7 whereinsaid selecting means includes means for a player to define a selectionset by selecting for each column of the matrix a Roulette numbersecondary characteristic selected from the group consistingsubstantially of color, even or odd, high or low, first, second or thirdgroup of twelve numbers or column on a Roulette layout.
 11. The game ofclaim 7 wherein said selecting means includes means for a player todefine two of said selection sets be selecting for the first selectionset for each column of the matrix a Roulette number and for the secondselection set for each column of the matrix a Roulette number secondarycharacteristic selected from the group consisting substantially ofcolor, even or odd, high or low, first, second or third group of twelvenumbers or column on a Roulette layout.
 12. The game of claim 7 whereinsaid selecting means includes means for a player to define a saidselection set by selecting for each column of the matrix at least one ofa Roulette number or a Roulette number secondary characteristic selectedfrom the group consisting substantially of color, even or odd, high orlow, first, second or third group of twelve numbers or column on aRoulette layout.
 13. An electronic wagering game using thecharacteristics of the numbers of Roulette and means for selectingRoulette outcomes, the game comprising: a display; a processor tocontrol the display, said processor preprogrammed to control the displayto display a matrix having at least three columns and three rows and atleast one pay line defined by at least two adjacent coordinates of thematrix; means for selecting for each column two Roulette numbercharacteristics defining a selection set; means for accepting a wagerand for prompting play; and said processor programmed to, in response toprompting play, (i) randomly select at least three Roulette numbers,said randomly selected Roulette numbers and the numbers to either sideas disposed on a Roulette wheel defining an outcome set of nine Roulettenumbers, (ii) display each number of said outcome set at a coordinate ofthe matrix, (iii) compare the Roulette number characteristic of theoutcome set as displayed in the matrix to those of the selection set and(iv) if a predetermined pattern of matching characteristics occur in thematrix, issue a prize.
 14. The game of claim 13 wherein said selectingmeans includes means for a player to define the said selection set aseach of a Roulette number and a Roulette number secondary characteristicselected form the group consisting substantially of color, even or odd,high or low, first, second or third group of twelve numbers or column ona Roulette layout.
 15. A method for playing game using thecharacteristics of the numbers of Roulette and means for selectingRoulette outcomes, said method comprising: providing a processor tocontrol a display, said processor controlling the display to display amatrix having at least three columns and three rows, at least twoadjacent coordinates of said matrix defining pay line for the game;displaying said matrix and pay line; selecting for each coordinate ofthe matrix at least one Roulette number characteristic, said selectedcharacteristics defining a selection set; accepting a wager; andprompting play of the game, said processor, in response to prompting ofplay, randomly selecting at least three Roulette numbers defining anoutcome set Roulette numbers, comparing the characteristics of theoutcome set to those of the selection set and matrix to determinematches and if a predetermined pattern of matches occurs issuing aprize.
 16. The method of claim 15 including selecting for each column ofthe matrix a plurality of Roulette number characteristics defining saidselection set.
 17. The method of claim 15 including selecting for eachcolumn a Roulette number, said processor for each selected numberselecting the numbers to either side of the selected numbers aspresented on a Roulette wheel to define a selection set including threeRoulette numbers for each column.
 18. A system including a plurality oflinked electronic wagering devices each using the characteristics of thenumbers of Roulette, a Roulette layout and of a Roulette wheel, saidgame comprising: each device including; (i) a display, (ii) a processorto control the display, said processor preprogrammed to control thedisplay to display a matrix of at least X columns and three horizontalrows, (iii) means for selecting at least one characteristic pertainingto a Roulette number for each coordinate of the matrix, (iii) means foraccepting a wager; a host processor; a communication link between saidhost processor and each device, said host processor programmed to, inresponse to prompting of play, randomly select at least three Roulettenumbers defining an outcome set of numbers, compare the characteristicsof the outcome set to those of the matrix at each device to determinematches and if a predetermined pattern of matches occurs issue a prize.19. An electronic gaming device using the numbers of Roulette, saidnumbers arranged in the predetermined, serial, ordered positions arounda Roulette wheel and said numbers grouped according to the layout ofsaid wheel and using the secondary characteristics of a traditionalRoulette wagering layout by having secondary characteristics of at least(i) odd or even, (ii) red, black or green (iii) low or high, (iv) first,second or third twelve numbers and/or (v) first, second or third rows ofnumbers, said game comprising: a display; a processor to control thedisplay, said processor preprogrammed to control the display to displaya matrix having at least three vertical columns and at least threehorizontal rows; means for selecting for each coordinates of the matrixat least one of a Roulette number and Roulette number secondarycharacteristic defining a section set; means for accepting a wager andfor prompting play of the game; and said processor programmed to, inresponse to prompting play, randomly select a preselected number ofRoulette numbers defining an outcome set, compare the characteristics ofthe outcome set to said selection sets and issue an award to the playerif a predetermined number of the outcome set characteristics match thecharacteristics of the selection set.
 20. The device of claim 19 whereinsaid processor includes a data structure storing winning patterns forthe matrix, said processor comparing the positions in on the matrixwhere said outcome number characteristics match the characteristics ofthe displayed selection sets to said patterns and if a winning patternis obtained, said processor issuing a reward to the player.
 21. Thedevice of claim 19 including said processor programmed to control thedisplay to display at least two pay lines corresponding to said rows andsaid data structure stores winning patterns of characteristics matchingalong said pay line.
 22. A system for playing a game including aplurality of linked game device terminals and using a field indiciaarranged in a predetermined, serial, ordered positions, each indiciaincluding at least one distinguishing characteristic, said gamecomprising: a display for each terminal; a processor in communicationwith each linked gaming device, said processor programmed to control thedisplays to display at each terminal a matrix of at least X columns andY horizontal rows; means at each terminal for selecting an X number ofindicia characteristics, said processor assigning said characteristicsto coordinates of said matrix; means at each terminal for accepting awager and for prompting play of the game; and said processor in responseto prompting play randomly selecting a set of outcome indicia, comparingthe outcome indicia to the characteristics for the coordinates of thematrix displayed at each terminal and issuing an award if apredetermined arrangement of outcome set indicia characteristics matchthe indicia characteristics of said selection sets.
 23. The system ofclaim 22 wherein said processor is programmed to select for at least onecoordinate of said matrix said characteristic.
 24. A system for playinga game including a plurality of linked game device terminals and usingthe numbers of Roulette, said numbers arranged in the predetermined,serial, ordered positions around a Roulette wheel and said numbersgrouped according to the layout of said wheel and using the secondarycharacteristics of a traditional Roulette wagering layout by havingsecondary characteristics of at least (i) odd or even, (ii) red, blackor green (iii) low or high, (iv) first, second or third twelve numbersand/or (v) first, second or third rows of numbers, said game comprising:a display for each terminal; a processor in communication with eachlinked gaming device, said processor programmed to control the displaysto display at each terminal a matrix of at least X columns and Yhorizontal rows; means at each terminal for a player to select for eachcoordinates of the matrix at least one of a Roulette number and Roulettenumber secondary characteristic defining a section set; means at eachterminal for accepting a wager and for prompting play of the game; andsaid processor programmed to, in response to prompting play, randomlyselect a preselected number of Roulette numbers defining an outcome set,compare the characteristics of the outcome set to those of each of saidselection sets and issue an award to players if a predetermined numberof the outcome set characteristics match the characteristics of theselection set.
 25. The system of claim 24 wherein said Roulette numberselecting means includes means for the player to select for each columnof the matrix a Roulette number characteristic for a selected Roulettenumber, said processor programmed to, in response to said selection,select for the other coordinates of each column Roulette numbercharacteristics for Roulette numbers related to said selected number.26. The system of claim 24 wherein said processor is preprogrammed toselect for each column a characteristic of Roulette numbers arrangedadjacent to the selected number.
 27. The system of claim 24 includingmeans for a player to select for one or more coordinates a Roulettenumber characteristic, said processor programmed to selectcharacteristics for the remaining coordinates.
 28. The system of claim24 wherein said processor is preprogrammed to select for each column ofthe matrix a Roulette number as the outcome set and compare for eachcolumn the Roulette number characteristics of said selected number withthe characteristics of the coordinates of said column.
 29. A method forplaying game using the characteristics of the numbers of Roulette andmeans for selecting Roulette outcomes, said method comprising: providinga processor to control a display, said processor controlling the displayto display a matrix having at least three columns and three rows, atleast two adjacent coordinates of said matrix defining pay line for thegame; displaying said matrix and pay line; selecting for each coordinateof the matrix at least one Roulette number characteristic, said selectedcharacteristics defining a selection set; accepting a wager; andprompting play of the game, said processor, in response to prompting ofplay, randomly selecting at least three Roulette numbers defining anoutcome set Roulette numbers, comparing the characteristics of theoutcome set to those of the selection set and matrix to determinematches and if a predetermined pattern of matches occurs issuing aprize.
 30. The method of claim 29 including selecting for each column aRoulette number and the processor selecting numbers adjacent to theselected number as arranged on a Roulette wheel and displaying in eachcoordinate of the column at least one characteristic of the selected andadjacent numbers.
 31. The method of claim 29 wherein said processor isprogrammed to select for at least one coordinate said characteristic.32. The method of claim 29 including said processor selecting a Roulettenumber for each column of the matrix defining an outcome set Roulettenumbers, comparing the characteristics of the outcome set to those ofthe selection set and matrix to determine matches and if a predeterminedpattern of matches occurs issuing a prize.
 33. A system for playing agame including a plurality of linked game device terminals and using thecharacteristics of Roulette numbers as arranged in a predetermined,serial, ordered positions, about a Roulette wheel, said game comprising:a display for each terminal; a processor in communication with eachlinked gaming device, said processor programmed to control the displaysto display at each terminal a matrix of at least 3 columns and 3horizontal rows; means at each terminal for selecting for eachcoordinate of the matrix at least one number characteristics; means ateach terminal for accepting a wager and for prompting play of the game;and said processor in response to prompting play randomly selecting aset of outcome Roulette numbers, comparing the characteristics of theoutcome numbers to the characteristics for the coordinates of the matrixdisplayed at each terminal and issuing an award if a predeterminedarrangement of outcome set characteristics match the characteristics ofsaid selection sets.
 34. The system of claim 33 wherein said Roulettenumber selecting means includes means for the player to select for eachcolumn of the matrix a Roulette number characteristic for a selectedRoulette number, said processor programmed to, in response to saidselection, select for the other coordinates of each column Roulettenumber characteristics for Roulette numbers related to said selectednumber.
 35. The system of claim 34 wherein said processor ispreprogrammed to select for the other coordinates of each column acharacteristic of Roulette numbers arranged adjacent to the selectednumber.
 36. The system of claim 33 wherein said processor is programmedto select for at least one coordinate said characteristic.
 37. Thesystem of claim 33 including means for a player to select for one ormore coordinates a Roulette number characteristic, said processorprogrammed to select characteristics for the remaining coordinates. 38.The system of claim 33 wherein said processor is preprogrammed to selectfor each column of the matrix a Roulette number as the outcome set andcompare for each column the Roulette number characteristics of saidselected number with the characteristics of the coordinates of saidcolumn.
 39. A method for playing game using a field indicia arranged ina predetermined, serial, ordered positions, each indicia including atleast one characteristic and means for selecting outcome indicia, saidmethod comprising: providing a processor to control a display, saidprocessor controlling the display to display a matrix having X columnsand Y rows, selecting for coordinates of the matrix at least one indiciacharacteristic, said selected characteristics defining a selection set;accepting a wager; and prompting play of the game, said processor, inresponse to prompting of play, randomly selecting a set of outcomeindicia, comparing the characteristics of the outcome indicia to thoseof the selection set and matrix to determine matches and if apredetermined pattern of matches occurs issuing a prize.
 40. The methodof claim 39 including selecting for each coordinates of the matrix atleast one indicia characteristic, said selected characteristics defininga selection set;
 41. The method of claim 39 wherein said processor isprogrammed to select for at least one coordinate said characteristic.42. The method of claim 39 including said processor selecting at leastone indicia characteristic for each column of the said matrix defining aset of outcome indicia, comparing the characteristics of the outcomeindicia to those of the selection set and matrix to determine matchesand if a predetermined pattern of matches occurs issuing a prize. 43.The method of claim 39 including selecting for each column at least oneindicia characteristic, assigning the selected indicia characteristicsto coordinates of the matrix, said processor selecting for the othercoordinates of the said matrix indicia characteristics related to saidselected indicia to define a selection set.
 44. A method for playinggame using a field indicia arranged in a predetermined, serial, orderedpositions, each indicia including at least one characteristic and meansfor selecting outcome indicia, said method comprising: providing aprocessor to control a display, said processor controlling the displayto display a matrix having X columns and Y rows, selecting for columnsof the matrix at least one indicia characteristic, said selectedcharacteristics defining one or more selection sets; accepting a wager;and prompting play of the game, said processor, in response to promptingof play, randomly selecting a set of outcome indicia, assigning theoutcome indicia to coordinates of the matrix, comparing thecharacteristics of the indicia for the matrix to those of the selectionset or sets to determine matches and if a predetermined pattern ofmatches occurs issuing a prize.
 45. The method of claim 44 includingselecting for each column of the matrix at least one indiciacharacteristic, said selected characteristics defining one or moreselection sets.
 46. The method of claim 44 wherein said processor isprogrammed to select for at least one characteristic of a said selectionset.
 47. The method of claim 44 wherein said processor is programmed toin response to prompting of play, randomly selecting a set of at leastan X number of outcome indicia, assigning the X outcome indicia tocoordinates of the matrix, selecting for the other coordinates of thesaid matrix indicia related to said outcome indicia, comparing thecharacteristics of the indicia for the matrix to those of the selectionset or sets to determine matches and if a predetermined pattern ofmatches occurs issuing a prize.
 48. The method of any of the claims 39wherein said processor includes a data structure storing datacorresponding to winning patterns for the matrix, said processorprogrammed to compare the positions on the matrix where said selectionset characteristics match the characteristics of the outcome set to saidpatterns and if a winning pattern of matches is obtained issuing aprize.
 49. The method of claim 48 including said matrix including atleast one pay line, said pay line being defined by at least twocoordinates of the said matrix and said data structure storing datacorresponding to patterns of characteristics matching along said payline defining a winning pattern for the matrix.